HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc504-5W
Mr. T. KENNEDY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, prior to the waiving of the Regulations regarding the wireless personnel to be carried on all ships of 1,600 tons and over, the matter received the consideration of the merchant shipping advisory committee; and, if not, whether the matter will be considered by that committee and, if so, when?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. Under the Merchant Shipping Actsthe Board of Trade may, if they think fit, appoint committees for the purpose of advising them when considering the making or alteration of any rules, regulations or scales for the purpose of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

The action to be taken in case of a strike or other emergency does not fall under this heading. The responsibility for such action rests on the Board of Trade.

Mr. KENNEDY

also asked the President of the Board of Trade the number since 25th November of ships of 1,600 tons and over and fitted with wireless installations that have proceeded to sea with wireless operators possessing only restricted wireless certificates; the number which have proceeded to sea with an incomplete wireless personnel; the number which have proceeded to sea without wireless operators; the number held up in the United Kingdom ports at present on account of not being able to secure wireless operators; and under what Statute he is permitting ships of 1,600 tons and over to proceed to sea with men holding only restricted wireless certificates?

Sir B. CHADWICK

According to the returns from the principal ports, the number of ships coming under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, which have proceeded to sea with operators holding only restricted certificates up to the end of last week was nine; the number which had at least one operator, but not the number required by the Rules, was 13; while 178 ships had no operators at all. I have no information of any ships being delayed for the purpose of obtaining operators. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 30th November, and to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 3rd December, of which I am sending him copies.